Chennaiyin FC mutually part ways with head coach Thomas Brdaric

The German led Chennaiyin to an eighth-place finish in a dismal domestic season.

Chennaiyin FC and Thomas Brdaric have mutually parted ways following the conclusion of the football season 2022-23.

Brdaric served at the helm of the first team for 28 games in all: winning ten, drawing eight and losing ten. Over this period, the team scored 53 goals and conceded 52.

The former German international began his tenure at the club during the Durand Cup where the team managed to reach the quarter-finals.

He was also in charge during the course of the Hero Indian Super League where the Marina Machans finished the league stage in eighth position with 27 points. Brdaric’s men last took part in the Hero Super Cup as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

Chennaiyin's head coach roulette continues

Often for a team on a rebuild, having a clearly thought out long-term plan is the most important step. But for two-time ISL winners Chennaiyin, the continuity and backing for a single head coach has been found missing. Since John Gregory's successful tenure ended in 2019, the Marina Machans have given the top job to Owen Coyle (2019-2020) in a tenure that culminated with a miraculous run to the finals only for heartbreak to strike in the decider.

Owen Coyle left for Jamshedpur, and since then, no head coach has held the reigns for two consecutive seasons. Csaba Laszlo left in 2021, Bozidar Bandovic in 2022 and now Thomas Brdaric leaves the club after a sole season.

Injuries to key players such as Rafael Crivellaro, and his direct replacement Abdenasser El Khayati suffering the same fate despite bursting onto the scene, have been the main reasons for Brdaric's shortcomings.

Chennaiyin FC thanked coach Thomas for his contributions and passion for the craft and wishes him the best for all his future endeavours. The club will make a decision on the head coach for the 2023-24 season shortly.